“Wonder Woman’s brother and sister are being held hostage by none other than Cassandra, the sadistic sibling she hasn’t even met yet! And speaking of hostages, we’re taking bets on how long chains can hold the First Born!”

I really like the simplicity of this cover. Cassandra returns; does Diana finally meet this sibling? And I still don’t get Cassandra’s intense desire to help the First Born.

Superman/Wonder Woman #03

Written by Charles Soule
Art and cover by Tony S. Daniel and Batt

“Zod unleashed! Can Superman and Wonder Woman stop this madman before he gains full power under the Earth’s yellow sun? Guest-starring the JLA, and featuring a shocking conclusion that could mean the end of Superman and Wonder Woman together!”

I’m all for a second series starring Wonder Woman. I’m still not totally sold on Diana and Clark’s relationship, but maybe this book can change my mind (I hope so). But this seems to be another Superman-centric issue. Are they rotating between Superman-centric issue, then Wonder Woman-centric issue (November’s seemed to be Wonder Woman-centric). Or, is the bulk of the book going to be Superman, and “Oh yeah, Wonder Woman’s here.” I guess we’ll find out when the series begins in October.

Alternate Universes

Justice League 3000 #01
(Resolicited)

Written by Keith Giffen and J.M. DeMatteis
Art and cover by Howard Porter

“The new series starring the heroes of today—tomorrow is resolicited, now with legendary artist Howard Porter (JLA) on board! But what are these heroes doing in the year 3000? And who (or what) brought them there? Get ready for a dose of wonder from the writing team of Keith Giffen and J.M. DeMatteis!”

Originally solicited for October 2013, the book seems to have lost artist Kevin Maguire and gained Howard Porter and a new cover. We still don’t know much about this book. Are these our Justice League members? Clones? Future people who just took up the titles? Perhaps we’ll find out in December.

Other Stuff

The Forever Evil event seems to feature Wonder Woman almost never. No mention of her in Forever Evil #4 or Justice League #26 (which features the Crime Syndicate on the cover). I did notice this:

Forever Evil: A.R.G.U.S. #03

“Steve Trevor and his small band of surviving A.R.G.U.S. agents track down the deadly Cheetah, who has Wonder Woman’s lasso in her possession. That lasso could be the only hope of freeing the Justice League!”

I don’t have plans on picking up the entire run of FE:Argus, but I may pick up this issue. It seems to center on the search for Diana’s lasso, which I would certainly be interested in.

That’s pretty much it for Diana in December. I am looking forward to the end of Forever Evil, honestly. December is only the half-way point.

“There’s no time for Wonder Woman to fully comprehend the fallout from last issue’s shocking turn of events as her family gathers to prepare for an assault on Olympus!”

Still hinting at “shocking events” for issue #24. I guess it makes sense that Azzarello would cap his second full-year on the title with a big issue. I’m looking forward to seeing what it is and what follows. An assault on Olympus?! Exciting!

Superman/Wonder Woman #02

Written by Charles Soule
Art and cover by Tony S. Daniel and Batt

“Whom the gods destroy, first they piss off! Seeking help against Doomsday, Diana turns to her brother Hephaestus for weapons—but a more immediate threat is Apollo and the other gods. They do not approve of Superman as a consort to Diana, and he will have to prove himself in combat!”

I can’t even begin to say how excited I am to see Wonder Woman’s supporting cast/Rogue’s gallery on the cover of this issue. Everything that has been said about this series has been all about Superman and how everything is about Superman. It’s nice to see that, with her name in the title, Wonder Woman will actually get some focus in this book.

With all of the Forever Evil stuff going on, there’s no telling whether or not Diana will appear in Justice League #24. There’s no specific mention of her. I guess it all depends on how Trinity War plays out. Other than that, there is DCE Essentials $1 reprint of Justice League #01 (from the New 52). Though Diana is not actually in the issue (she didn’t appear until Justice League #03), she is on the cover.

Alternate Universes

Smallville Season 11 #19

Written by Bryan Q. Miller
Art by Jorge Jimenez
Cover by Cat Staggs

“With Washington, D.C., on lockdown, Air Force One under attack and the dead rising from the grave, Superman and a newly armored “Wonder Woman” take the fight to Hades and Faust. Plus, as “Olympus” concludes, Clark’s journey as Superman takes a dramatic turn!”

Newly armored Wonder Woman. I’m not sure how I feel about the costume on the cover (though I always prefer silver to gold on Diana). But I’ll be interested in seeing how this plays out in their universe. It’ll be an exciting story arc regardless.

Other Stuff

Since Diana in all her various incarnations will be included in Scribblenauts Unmasked, she will be included as part of the Scribblenauts Unmasked mini-figures series 01. Unfortunately, the toys are blind-boxed (SO ANNOYING). I may end up having to buy a million to get Wonder Woman.

“After the shocking events of issue #23, Wonder Woman’s life has changed forever…but what if she refuses to walk the path the gods—and her mentor—have laid out for her? A strange new era of WONDER WOMAN begins here!”

Of course, the thing I am most excited for: Wonder Woman! This issue is being billed as the beginning of “a strange new era of Wonder Woman!” Not entirely sure what that means, but the cover image certainly lends a few clues.

Sudzuka is a better fill in artist than Tony Akins (whose art I find terrible), but I still wish Cliff Chiang had it in him to do the art for the entire series. Still, this cover implies there are some great things in store for Wonder Woman, following the end of Brian Azzarello’s second year on the book.

Superman/Wonder Woman #01

Written by Charles Soule
Art by Tony S. Daniel and Batt
Cover by Tony S. Daniel

Beginning a bold new series that details the relationship between The Man of Steel and the Warrior Princess as rising star writer Charles Soule is joined by fan favorite artist Tony S. Daniel to tell the tale of a romance that will shake the stars themselves. These two super-beings love each other, but not everyone shares their joy. Some fear it, some test it—and some will try to kill for it. Some say love is a battlefield, but where Superman and Wonder Woman are concerned it spells Doomsday!

This is a book I’m a little on the fence about. Don’t get me wrong, I will buy it. Seeing Wonder Woman in multiple titles every month is awesome. But I’m trepidatious. I’m not completely sold on the relationship between Diana and Clark, largely because it has been under-explored (shown repeatedly, but not truly developed). This book is certainly the chance for DC to do that, while also giving Wonder Woman fans a more action oriented book every month.

Written by Charles Soule, with whom I have very little experience (largely because he has not written that many comics). I’m okay with this choice because I don’t have a bias going into the book. Someone new can give some fresh insight into these characters.

On top of these, we also have Justice League #24. As it is aftermath of the Trinity War, the solicitations are very sparse, with very little info and placeholder images. Whether or not Diana will actually even be in Justice League #24, we’ll just have to wait and see.

Alternate Universes

Justice League 3000 #01

Written by Keith Giffen and J.M. DeMatteis
Art and cover by Kevin Maguire

Don’t miss the debut of the new series starring the heroes of today—tomorrow! But what are they doing in the year 3000? And who (or what) brought them there? Get ready for a double dose of wonder as only the stellar creative team of Keith Giffen, J.M. DeMatteis and Kevin Maguire can deliver!

I am really looking forward to this book. I love these future/alternate reality takes on characters that I love. And look at Diana! Her lasso has become a mace? Is that even the same Diana we’re used to? Who are these people? Why do they come together? So many questions!

Smallville Season 11 #18

Written by Bryan Q. Miller
Art by Jorge Jimenez
Cover by Cat Staggs

Diana’s mysterious past may hold the key to helping Superman stop Faust in the present—but the warlock isn’t working alone! Enter Hades, Lord of the Underworld! “Olympus” continues in part 3 of 4.

Not only is Smallville introducing their version of Wonder Woman, but now they’re adding their version of Hades?! Sold. I think Bryan Q. Miller is a very talented writer, so I look forward to his take on my favorite character: Wonder Woman!

Other Stuff

In October, DC will release “DCE Essentials” $1 reprints of some popular issues, including the New 52 Wonder Woman #01.

DC also resolicited the Just Imagine Stan Lee Creating the DC Universe Omnibus HC, which includes his take on Wonder Woman. The book has been rescheduled for December, with a price of $75. December will also bring a Villain’s Month Omnibus hardcover, which will feature Wonder Woman 23.1 and 23.2, the villain issues focusing on The Cheetah and the First Born. I imagine these issues will also be collected in Wonder Woman collections next year, for those that don’t want to shell out $150 for this omnibus of mostly unrelated issues.

That’s it for Wonder Woman in October. I’m really hoping that Superman/Wonder Woman will be good, so we finally have a second Wonder Woman-focused title.

As they did in 2011 and 2012, DC will be filling September with specialty titles. In September 2011, they started the New 52 with brand new #1s. In September 2012, they did Zero Month, with every title getting an issue #0. In September 2013, DC is celebrating with Villain’s Month. Unlike the Zero Month, not every title is getting a villain-focused issue, and some titles will be getting more than one. And, all of the villain issues will feature 3-D motion covers.

What does that mean for Wonder Woman? It means there is no telling how much we’ll actually get to see her (if at all). DC will be launching the first of a new seven-issue mini-series event (the second Trinity War ends, shocker), titled Forever Evil.

Good news, though: Two issues of Wonder Woman in September!

Wonder Woman #23.1 – The Cheetah

Written by John Ostrander
Art and cover by Victor Ibanez

The Cheetah has clawed her way out of Belle Reve, and is hungry for blood—but before she steps up as one of the Secret Society’s most powerful generals, she has a personal score to settle! Learn the truth about the cult of Hippolyta, her vendetta against Wonder Woman, and just how far she’ll go to prove that she’s the most dangerous predator on Earth!

Wonder Woman #23.3 – First Born

Written by Brian Azzarello
Art by Aco
Cover by Victor Ibanez

The First Born son of Zeus—Wonder Woman’s oldest brother—has returned to claim the throne of Olympus! But it’s been a long and bloody road to reach his destiny…and you won’t believe the horror when you meet the rest of Wonder Woman’s extended “family”!

We’ll get to see Wonder Woman deal personally with The Cheetah (and written by someone who may be able to write Wonder Woman as the compassionate, thoughtful woman she is, rather than an angry, ragebeast like Geoff Johns writes her). And, we also get to learn more about the First Born, which ties in more directly with the story being told in Wonder Woman’s solo title. Hey, any month where we get TWO issues of Wonder Woman is a good month in my opinion. (Of course, Batman has like 40 titles coming out that month…)

Alternate Universes

Two alternate tales coming out. First is Ame-Comi Girls #07. Not sure how heavily Diana may or may not be featured in the issues, but she has been a central character. On top of that, the series is actually surprisingly good, with an interesting and well-crafted story by Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray. Give it a shot! It’s already been cancelled.

In addition, we get the second part of Smallville Season 11‘s introductory Wonder Woman story in issue #17. From the official solicitation text:

Superman and new ally Diana race to stop magickal terrorist Felix Faust from launching an attack on the nation’s capital. Meanwhile, Lois launches an attack of her own by digging into the shadowy connection between Faust and the new Department of Extra-Normal Operations.

Other Stuff

Not a lot of “other stuff” detailed in September’s solicitations. In November, we get a hardcover collection of Injustice: Gods Among Us issues #01-06, which heavily feature some alternate world versions of Wonder Woman, including an awesome moment where she headbutts a tank. November will also see the release of Superman: H’El on Earth in hardcover. While she is by no means a major character in this story, Diana does have some choice moments. And I absolutely love the way Kenneth Rocafort draws practically anything. In October, a trade paperback version of Earth-2 Volume 01 – The Gathering will be released, which also features an alternate world version of Wonder Woman.

DC is also releasing a hardcover collection celebrating 75 years of Lois Lane in November. This collection will include Wonder Woman v2 #170, written by Phil Jimenez. In this issue, Lois spends a day trying to get into the mind of Diana, to write a big story about her. The story has previously been collected in both Wonder Woman: The Greatest Stories Ever Told trade, as well as the Wonder Woman: Paradise Lost trade.

And that’s it for September. Two Wonder Woman issues, but not a lot else.

Wonder Woman had no choice but to abandon London to the bloodthirsty First Born—but now it’s time to take the city back! If Diana is truly War’s greatest student, then now is the time to prove it!

We’re nearing the end of Azzarello’s second year on Wonder Woman, and he’s still surprising us with every issue. What happens to London while Diana is on New Genesis? What role does War play? Who is the First Born? So excited to find out!

Trinity War

Trinity War continues in Justice League of America #06, Justice League #23, and Justice League Dark #23. Once again, I’m not sure what role Wonder Woman will play in this crossover. I won’t waste your time with stuff that may not be specific to Wonder Woman.

Alternate Universes

Ame-Comi Girls #06

Written by Justin Gray and Jimmy Palmiotti
Art by Eduardo Francisco, Horacio Domingues and Ruben Gonzalez
Cover by Jonboy Meyers

“Earth In Crisis” heralds the beginning of the end of the world as the girls are whisked away to the planet Rann. There they are greeted by Adam Strange and Hawkgirl and told of the imminent threat of the evil Sinestra. It’s not just Rann in danger, but the universe itself!

While Wonder Woman is not specifically mentioned in the solicitation text, she has been a major player in this series. I know a lot of people aren’t taking this series seriously (especially considering it’s been canceled). But Ame-Comi Girls was a surprisingly fresh and inventive take on the DC Universe. If you can get past the anime/manga style art and the occasional ridiculous costume, you would be treated to a strong story by two of comics best creators! Give it a shot, before it’s over.

Smallville Season 11 #16

Written by Bryan Q. Miller
Art by Jorge Jimenez
Cover by Cat Staggs

“Olympus,” part 1! Twenty years ago, a young boy washed up on a mysterious island and met a princess. Now, that princess has come to look for the mother who disappeared when she took the boy back. But if Smallville is prepared for strange beings, Washington, DC, certainly is not!

I admit it. I’m one of the people that completely lost interest in Smallville by season 05. As such, I had largely been ignoring this comic continuation of the series, despite enjoying Bryan Q. Miller’s writing. But seeing that they’re introducing their own version of Wonder Woman… well, I may have to get caught up!

Other Stuff

Infinite Crisis – Atomic Wonder Woman Statue

Sculpted by Gentle Giant Studios
Scheduled for November, 2013
$124.95

DC is getting ready for the release of their next major mediocre video, Infinite Crisis. This game, a multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA), features many alternate versions of our favorite characters. Atomic Wonder Woman seems to be a sort of post-apocalyptic, Lollipop Chainsaw type character. As far as I am aware, this version of Wonder Woman has never been featured in any continuity or official alternate universe tale, until now.

August’s solicitations also revealed trade paperback releases of Wonder Woman, Volume 02 – Guts (collecting volume 04, issues 07-12) and Justice League, Volume 02 – A Villain’s Journey (collecting issues 07-12) are scheduled for September. We’ll also be receiving the first Ame-Comi Girls trade in September, featuring the five character-specific issues of the original mini-series. Other slightly related releases include an omnibus collection of DC One Million, including the Wonder Woman One Million issue, and a collection of villain-centric issues from around the DCU, titled Necessary Evil: The Villains of the DC Universe. This trade collects Wonder Woman v2 issue #214, featuring Diana and The Flash clashing with The Cheetah and the Reverse Flash. DC is releasing a documentary about its villains, so I imagine this book would be a tie-in.

Welcome to New Genesis! Wonder Woman makes her first visit to Orion’s homeworld and comes face to face with the Highfather…and sees the strange hold he has over his uncontrollable son!

The moment people have been waiting for is finally arriving: New Genesis! It seems like there are a lot of people who only read Wonder Woman for the New Gods content. While that’s a little sad to me, I’m also excited to see Orion, the Highfather, and this new take on the New Gods! This issue looks to be diving into the New Gods story full-force. Looking forward to it.

Trinity War Justice League #22

Written by Geoff Johns
Art and cover by Ivan Reis and Joe Prado

TRINITY WAR, the action-mystery event of the summer, begins with a full-length epic adventure! The death of a hero ignites a violent war among the Justice Leagues! It’s League vs. League vs. League as an impending darkness approaches the DC Universe. But the truth behind it all will lead to an evil that threatens every hero on the planet. And what does the Secret Society of Super-Villains have to with this? Everything.

Justice League of America #06

Written by Geoff Johns and Jeff Lemire
Art by Doug Mahnke and Christian Alamy
Cover by Ivan Reis and Joe Prado

TRINITY WAR CHAPTER 2! The War of the Justice Leagues continues as one hero is arrested and another goes rogue. Who is responsible for the evil that has infected the League? And who is the true killer? Only the Question knows the answer…

Justice League Dark #22

Written by Jeff Lemire and Ray Fawkes
Art by Mikel Janin
Cover by Ivan Reis and Joe Prado

TRINITY WAR CHAPTER 3! A member of the Justice League defects to Justice League Dark. But what does Constantine know about this murder that he isn’t telling? And what dark secret does one of our Leaguers hold that could turn the tide of this Justice League War?

Trinity War is in full-effect in July. I’m not sure how large a role Diana will play in the events of Trinity War (knowing Geoff Johns, not a large role). I’ve never been impressed with the way Geoff Johns has written Wonder Woman, including this run of Justice League. He doesn’t understand the character, and doesn’t even make an attempt to understand her. Perhaps the smaller her role in Trinity War, the better.

Other Stuff

Though Diana is not on the cover nor mentioned in the solicitation text, in July we will receive Ame-Comi Girls #05. A surprisingly adept alternate universe take on characters we all love, Diana has played a major role in the earlier issues.

July’s solicitations also brought us information about other Wonder Woman related products coming in the following months. September will see the release the New 52 Trinity action figure box set, a single collection of the New 52 Wonder Woman, Batman, and Superman action figures previously released. We’ll also be getting this statue in September:

Titled “The Kiss”, the statue, designed by Jim Lee, is based on the moment in Justice League #12 where Wonder Woman and Superman kiss. Strangely, the moment in the book looks nothing like this statue:

Artistic license, I guess. I’m still torn about the statue, since I’m not entirely convinced that I find their relationship compelling.

In September, we’ll also get hardcover releases of three Wonder Woman related stories. The first is Volume 03 of her own series, titled Iron. This hardcover collects Wonder Woman v4 issues 00, 13-18. DC is also releasing Batwoman Volume 03 – World’s Finest hardcover, which collects Batwoman #12-17 and 00. This is the story arc where Batwoman teamed up with Wonder Woman. It was very well done, with gorgeous art, so I look forward to being able to read it again and again. Finally, Justice League Volume 03 – Throne of Atlantis, collecting Justice League 13-17 and Aquaman #15-16. Though much more of an Aquaman-centric story, Diana does play a role in this arc. We also get to see Diana and Clark go out on a date.

July is looking to be a pretty sparse month for Wonder Woman. But hopefully Wonder Woman #22 will make up for the lack of other appearances!

DC just released their official solicitations for November 2011. Let’s take a look at Wonder Woman related items!

New 52 Justice League #03 – Cover by Jim Lee

From the solicit text: “The superstar team of writer Geoff Johns and artist Jim Lee continue to make history as they unleash the amazing Amazon, Wonder Woman, who joins the battle against a bizarre threat! And the not-yet World’s Greatest Heroes need all the help they can get!”

Aside from the fact that we see Wonder Woman on the cover of issue one, it seems from this text that she doesn’t actually appear until issue three. Hmmm…

Judging solely from the solicitations, issue one seems focused on Batman. Issue two seems focused on Superman. Issue three seems focused on Wonder Woman. Yet in the preview for issue one that DC has circulating, we see Green Lantern. Geoff Johns has said in the past that he doesn’t think Wonder Woman really belongs in DC’s Trinity, and feels that Green Lantern is more appropriate for the third spot (with Batman and Superman). I’m interested to see how he handles the Justice League when starting mostly from the beginning.

Wonder Woman v4 issue 03 – Cover by Cliff Chiang

I’m still not crazy about the outfit, but I honestly really like this cover. And her hair seems shorter, which is pretty cool. I’m excited to see how she is introduced into the JLA, so I am really looking forward to this particular issue.

Solicit Text: Hippolyta, the queen of the Amazons, has kept a secret from her daughter all her life – and when it’s revealed, Wonder Woman’s life will shatter like brittle clay. The only one more shocked than Diana by this revelation? Bloodthirsty Hera herself – so why is her sinister daughter, Strife, so eager for the truth to be told?

Interesting. Cliff Chiang’s art aside (which I love), I’m not crazy about the cover. It just feels very….dull. If I were not a Wonder Woman fan, this cover would not draw my attention. Still, I’m sure the interior art will be fantastic, and I’m hoping the writing is excellent. Brian Azzarello can be pretty hit-or-miss when it comes to super hero comics.

Justice League Heroes and Foes

DC also solicited a new line of action figures, called DC: Heroes and Foes. The first line features a Wonder Woman figure that I will certainly buy. It’s interesting though. In the image, she’s wearing pants (a la The Odyssey story arc), but she’s wearing a more Dodson-esque top. Not quite the top she had in Odyssey. Still, it’s a great looking figure.

The only other Wonder Woman related item solicited was Showcase Presents: Wonder Woman #04 (collecting issues #157-177 of volume 01 of Wonder Woman in a cheap, black and white format). I’d be a lot more excited about this if it were in color, but I know a lot of people love the Showcase books. They’re cheap, and usually the only way to read stories from those time periods.

Hopefully next month we’ll get a solicit for The Odyssey, Volume 02 hardcover. The final issue comes out very soon.